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Alaska’s Seniors, Veterans Caught in Debt Ceiling CrossfirePresident Barack Obama said he can’t guarantee that Social Security, disability and veterans’ check will be distributed after August 3.Related Content
With the clock ticking to raise the nation's debt limit, the stalemate between Congress and President Barack Obama has many Americans worried that they may not receive expected checks for Social Security, disability and veterans’ checks.
Alaskans are among the concerned. Stretching $475 from his veteran disability check over a month is a regular challenge in Bruce Richards’ life. More than half of his check goes toward paying rent, followed by transportation. “I’m broke toward the end of the month. In fact, I got about $30 left,” he said. In an interview with CBS Evening News anchor Scott Pelley, the president said that if they can’t reach a compromise to resolve the debt ceiling issue, he could not guarantee payments for social security, those with disabilities and veterans after August 2. In jeopardy are 70 million checks that Americans, and Alaskans, depend on. According to Ann Secrest, director of communications for AARP Alaska, 41 percent of single seniors and 20 percent of married couples depend on Social Security for 90 percent of their income. “You can imagine the impact is tremendous,” she continued. Residents who lean heavily on food and housing assistance from the Anchorage Senior Center are awaiting their fate. “One of our members is living in their van because they literally they don't have enough money to pay rent or utilities or to put gas in their car,” said Cathy Lee, the center’s executive director. AARP of Alaska officials said that if lawmakers do not reach a compromise the government would be breaking a promise to Americans who have worked and paid into the system their entire lives. |
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L.A Brail said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 12:48 PM
Just more corporate greed. Vote out congress and the senate...replace them for cripe sake! And vote out Obama...
70641563KENAI GUY said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 12:57 PM
BET OBAMA AND OTHER FED EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES WILL GET PAID. WE PAID INTO SOCIAL SECURITY JUST LIKE THEY PAID INTO A RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, BUT THEY'RE RETIREMENT ACCOUNT IS NOT CONSIDERED AN ENTITLEMENT -- HMMM, WHO DO THESE POLITICIANS THINK THEY'RE FOOLING? TIME TO GET OUT THE ROPE. WE'RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME AND PATIENTS.
70642293adaisylover said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 1:09 PM
This is just another scare tactic by Obama hitting the ones that people will rebel about the most. He does this all the time people. He ALWAYS says this kind of thing, just another lie.
70643237CurtJ said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 1:26 PM
The Republicans, Democrats and emergency Independents gave their corporate pimps the United States Treasury. They were elected by Americans to represent their American citizens. but instead are bribed by having worked for their corporate donors, or will work for them or their respective industries as lobbiests. Internationally America has 735 bases worldwide, manned by the CIA providing logistics, intelligence and groundwork for the neo conservative owned oil, energy and mining conglomerates to process and steal the natural resources. As descendants of European immigrants who invaded and stole the Indigenous peoples resources and lands, enslaving, murdering and committing genocide against my people in order to do it, Americans think nothing of foisting those same policies on others, never thinking of the terror attacks as a consequence. The corporations and politicians get the profits, Americans get the trillion dollar bill and the terror attacks.
70644468non fluoridated human said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 1:26 PM
President Barry Soetoro said he can’t guarantee that Social Security, disability and veterans’ check will be distributed after August 3 yaaa , he can be assured come next voting time he wont have a job in OUR WHITE HOUSE , cause we dont allow illegal aliens. its so easy to cook up numbers when your full of greed and have the power of the banker owned government to back ya... this will back fire on the whole rouge government 1 day soon.. this they already know , thats what hey are scared of... just look at the cooked up numbers they tried on so called global warming..
70644498yupiik said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 1:49 PM
how can I get my social back before this happens,I paid a lot for my families future.I want my money back!what rights do they have to take this investment of america's very own people away??????its time for the greatest protest in america.
70646078Dave said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 2:12 PM
Maybe the answer is to cut spending, like any responsible person would do when under crushing debt. No, we cant have that....gotta continue to buy votes with entitlements. Thanks for the scare tactic, Mr President.
70647507Bob D. said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 2:17 PM
Did they say AFTER Aug. 3rd ? Whew ! I get mine ON Aug. 3rd. Just made the deadline. A lot of folks won't tho if this transpires.." WE THE PEOPLE " have GOT to do something about this runaway govt. of ours..
70647723Mike J. said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 2:31 PM
Another scare tactic by Obama. Like with many other things, it's his way or no way. Can't blame Bush anymore, So now publicly criticizing the Republicans, and sometimes Democrats, yet willing to compromise on his policies, either. Not like he'll lose his utilities, gas for his vehicles, home, etc. Maybe if President and Congress paychecks were on the line, they would work a bit smarter and bit different...
70648453NotFoolingMe said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 2:33 PM
What happened to that lock box for Social Security? If the SS and VA checks don't go out next month on time than every politican should not only not get their checks but have all their assets forfeited like a common crack dealer that they are.
70648522jerry alley said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 2:38 PM
Until we the people get organized enough to stop voting in lawyers and life long politicians and their families nothing will change. When you put the fox in charge of the chicken coop, you lose chickens. Destroy these corrupt parties by voting for normal working people that owe no favors. Add no political contributions over $20.00 per individual or major corp. We the people used to mean something. We must get off our hind ends and do something.
70648808Anchorage Mad Hen said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 3:00 PM
We all need to demand Obama step down from office now! Only after he gives the 84 million he just picked up for his 2012 campaign back to the American people for all the money he lost, stole or gave away to foregin governments while trashing the American Dream. Wonder how he found the time when he wasn't golfing on those 52 visits to the golf course or when he was traveling on all those mini vacations. Demand he step down now!
70649812skeeter said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 3:29 PM
8 years of Bush and voting Republicans into office brought us to this state of painful economics. Waving the flag and promoting Red Herring causes took the few people that vote's attention away from what the politians,large multi-nation corporations,and bankers were doing to the economy. What we are seeing now is the death of the middle-class.
70651492Michelle O said on Wednesday, Jul 13 at 8:25 PM
Why does obama and the libs hate the old people, vets, and the disabled?
70663554Andrew said on Thursday, Jul 14 at 5:53 AM
First Cut government pay checks then go after the voters!
70679331marcy said on Thursday, Jul 14 at 8:29 AM
They used to always blame the welfare mothers but now it's a bigger problem so they need to throw in a few more scape goats while never mentioning the 4 big elephants in the room. 1st They could slash the military military budget by dropping all the secret stuff, bringing the troops home as promised and telling Haliburton and friends to take a hike while still giving the solders a raise and benefit increase. 2nd-they could stop all the foreign aid which mostly all just goes to the rulers of those countries so they can be rich while their people suffer 3rd- they could audit and get rid of that private group that controls our money (the federal reserve) 4th- They need to make all government meetings public and any gov. employees caught doing secret behind closed doors meetings needs to be punished with mandatory imprisonment. Vote for Ron Paul
70690111Anonymous said on Thursday, Jul 14 at 9:54 AM
How much you wanna' bet they won't let the lack of checks going out stop them from deducting the funds for those non-existent checks from your paycheck?
70695933averagejane said on Thursday, Jul 14 at 10:52 AM
HEY...any other fixed-incomers want to SIT IN FRONT OF CITY HALL? just ignore the shaggy headed guy across the street... we're not asking for rockstar treatment, just to not have to park ourselves at the parks, or in the woods.
70699869Bunny said on Thursday, Jul 14 at 11:42 AM
I would like to see them out ther trying to make it.You know they are not going to do without.We work hard to keep this country going,just so we can give it away.You think they are losing sleep,there not worried about how there going to pay there monthly bills. feel feel so horr
707028611troopadq. said on Thursday, Jul 14 at 12:17 PM
WAKING UP AMERICAN'S...WHAT A DELIGHTFUL FEELING.
70705018jjj said on Thursday, Jul 14 at 12:58 PM
I'm embarassed to say that I'm an American
70707187averagejane said on Thursday, Jul 14 at 2:56 PM
i would love to "borrow" my bus buddy DB back from Heaven just until august 2nd... unfortunately he died from cancer this spring... he was one of the nicest bus users, and one of the most serious when it came to big issues like this. Alaska Vets Kick Butt!
70712787nomoneyfordr said on Thursday, Jul 14 at 7:33 PM
Govt should not give FREE Health care to the Illegals. I cant even afford my 20 percent copay. Yet the Illegals get it ALL FREE. This will FREE UP money to pay deserving Military, SS-Medicare-Medicaid.
70726156Cowgirl said on Friday, Jul 15 at 8:48 AM
I am a young 53 years old, I have Carcinoid Cancer and take 3 shots a day, just to stay alive. I am on SS disability and Medicare. If I don't get my SS check, I am told , I won't get medicare either. Without Medicare I can not get my Medication. I will waste away and in a matter of a very, very short time, Die.... But Who Cares????? I am Very Lucky to be Alive now. I know there are people right now,with heart problems and Diabetes that can not afford their medicines even with medicare , they cut their pills in halves and fourths, just to get by. The U.S. donates money for the hungry out of country, they donate to save Dogs and Cats from being put down, They give grants for the most stupid reasons but they do not take care of us people right here in the good ole US of A who really could use a little extra help. If you want to get your blood boiling just read this article.... http://www.acetj.com/features/stupidnews.php?feature_id=22555 Obama and Congress need to give up their Money.
70752606Common Cents said on Sunday, Jul 17 at 1:47 AM
For the Obama administration and Congress. A lot of the people here have valid points, others not so much. The Obama administration has done VERY well with human rights in the US. However Congress and Obama get a total F grade for managing taxpayer money!! American money should be kept to the Americans unless we are paying a debt!! NO OUTSIDE AID, especially when it can help STOP the poor economy!! Cut the checks of the politicians in Congress that are ruining AMERICA!! Draw back our defense to the US, not another country that is going to complain about us killing terrorists that put little kids in suicide vests!! The answers are clear to many but yet those WE THE PEOPLE elect do not think of taxpayer money as PUBLIC money but thier own personal account!! The answers are clear but yet our own Government puts the taxpayer down! Do they not think that killing the source of the money is a bad thing!!???? The answers are clear but yet OUR elected make it all worse!!
70824726Common Cents said on Sunday, Jul 17 at 1:56 AM
This county needs a leader that is not a politician but rather a worker! That goes for Congress! How many Congressmen/women had working lives outside Congress when this country was born!?? More than a few! How many good presidents have we had that have been General Officers on the front lines? More than a few. We need a working people in our government, not people that claim to have a high education but yet TRASH America and show a college kid knows more! If a single person can change America, I would be first in line. But we must remember what the FOUNDERS of this country knew!! DIVIDED WE FALL, UNITED WE STAND!! ALL Americans must stand together with a single voice to stop the madness. TOGETHER WE THE PEOPLE can take the unwise government officals OUT OF OFFICE to SAVE AMERICA!!! This Nation was greatest when WE kept American money IN AMERICA, not all out to other countries! No wonder the debt is worse! The govenment is DESTROYING the USA!
70824799Anonymous said on Sunday, Jul 17 at 10:40 AM
OBAMO is a snake oil salesman. This is another scare tactic he is using to get the american tax payers to wither under his lies. He is like a dog trainer throwing us a rotten bone and thinks we will take it. Even his own party thinks he is dangerous and a whacko.He needs to be IMPEACHED immediately. He has dnoe NOTHING for the u.s since he took office. He is no leader, he couldn't lead a camel to water and should go back to where he belongs KENYA.hE IS ONE OF THE MOST DESPICABLEmen to ever hold the highest office in the United States.He has put us in debt,so far we may never recover, took all jobs away,allowed illegal aliens to flock accross the borders killing our ranchers and people and done NOTHING!KICK his A-- out!!
70838858lil mama said on Friday, Jul 22 at 10:40 PM
Y stop these checks knowing people of all ages live with certain disabilites that cant work? If u want 2 save money then stop the welfare checks to the lazy people and bring inmore jobsor how about collect taxes from people that hasnt paid taxes in years and has money.
71164302Phil said on Sunday, Jul 24 at 12:46 PM
I'm a retired/disabled Army veteran who gave 28 years of life serving my country. During my last year of service circumstances were such that I had to go on this mission. That's when I got a bullet in the back and disabled me. Due the laws of this country, my ex-wife gets 1/2 of my pay. That leaves me very very little to live on. I already spoke to my landlord about this and she said she sympathizes and will give me a couple of weeks but she has to have the income. Obama is truly a despicable person to threaten the people who need it the most. How about stopping giving aid to Pakistan about 1 billion a month I think the figure was. Don't pay congressmen and senators and the president until they stop acting like children and get this done before August 2d. How about demanding that the corporations and banks pay back the money we taxpayers gave them to bail them out. Why don't we pull our troops out of Afghanistan.
71220519PHIL said on Sunday, Jul 24 at 12:53 PM
Stop supporting illegal aliens. Stop sending aid to countries that don't need it, are misusing it. The only good thing they did was do away with NASA. What a waste that has been. Make people on welfare who are physically capable of working do community service. Stop the entitlements that congressmen and senators receive for a lifetime after they are out of office. Stop stupid grants like grants to study the mating habits of frogs. There are so many things the government could do. If only we had people in government who could use common sense and their brains and stop the corruption, illegal contributions, kick backs, and as# kissing the lobbyists, This government used to be the best in the world, now I'm embarrased to say I'm an American. I gave 28 years of my life for my country and now they are going to pay me back by withholding my retirement and disability pay. They are disgusting people and should all be hung!
71220738dianna said on Friday, Jul 29 at 2:49 PM
yes ... we need to stand together!!demand things as our fathers before us. not good to fear the government.and it is not legal to make threats to the people as obama did.if he does do this to america's people then we should demand that his check paid by tax payers should not go to him or congress eitherall the government does is fight like they are in kindergarden 101 what a mess the government is putting it's people in for their waste and greed. we need to stand tall and together before this country is lost all together.we can not stand another 4 years like this. we need someone who care about america.. not taking america down we need to stand together this president should be impeached and congress fired.
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